New Technology Launched at ECS 2017

The European Coatings Show (ECS) recently concluded, boasting more than 30,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, and 1,135 exhibitors from 40 countries. In an expanded space at Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, the exhibiting companies presented innovative products and services for every aspect of paint, coating and sealant production. The ECS Conference was just as successful, with over 840 participants from 50 countries, and set another record for this venue for discussion among coating researchers and developers.

The following pages include some of the latest technology that was introduced at this year’s ECS.

Technology is the Driving Force at Alberdingk Boley

Alberdingk Boley develops environmentally friendly binders. This family business employs 400 people worldwide, and focuses on innovation. In fact, 50% of its product offerings are younger than five years old. Alberdingk Boley introduced many new products at this year’s ECS.

Architectural/Decorative Coatings

For the architectural and decorative coatings market, the company introduced PUR-MATT 600 amine-free, inherent matte polyurethane dispersion (PUD) for burnish-resistant wall paints. The product requires no coalescent, offers superior burnishing resistance, a super smooth matte finish, even in deep shades, and provides easier roller application of matte paints due to inherent matte polymer technology.

Also introduced was AS 6004 styrene acrylic for interior paints with low odor and good wet-abrasion resistance. This product is compliant with the latest Blauer Engel and Ecolabel schemes, is extremely hydrophobic, ultra-scrub-resistant and very economic.

AC 3600 is a high-gloss, multiphase, self-crosslinking, pure acrylic dispersion. It is clear in the can, offers very good chemical resistance, MFFT 0°C, good sanding properties, long open time/very good flow and levelling, and is extremely fast drying and block resistant.

AC 3626 is a hard, self-crosslinking, multiphase acrylic dispersion for high-quality gloss paints with excellent flow and levelling as well as long open time. Thanks to its special polymer design, the dispersion develops an extremely block-resistant film very quickly. Coatings based on the dispersion are highly resistant to general chemicals and particularly resistant to hand lotions and fat.

ALBOrapid 22 can be used as an additive polymer and can significantly increase the drying speed of water-based coatings. By adding 5-10% of the product to a coating, the drying under marginal conditions (low temperature and high humidity) is so much improved that an early rain resistance can be obtained. This product is especially designed to be combined with the company’s AC 2008 product.

Floor Coatings

For the floor coatings market, Alberdingk introduced several new products. U 7500 is an aqueous, anionic, solvent-free dispersion of an aliphatic polyester polyurethane. It offers long open time with quick hardness development at the same time, outstanding levelling properties, very low color change in overlapping zones, very easy mixing with crosslinkers (isocyanates and carbodiimides), high CoF/antislip, very good chemical and stain resistance, excellent sanding properties, and high scratch resistance.

U 9000 is a water-based, aliphatic polycarbonate polyurethane dispersion with N-Butylpyrrolidone. This resin was developed for thin organic coatings with very good corrosion protection and applications that require excellent chemical resistance.

LUR 10 is an oxidative-drying, water-based, anionic, solvent-free, aliphatic polyurethane dispersion based on linseed oil for high-quality hardwood floor and furniture coatings. It offers outstanding wood warming, similar to solvent-based oil-modified coatings, very fast hardness development, high gloss, excellent chemical resistance, very good sanding properties and very good adhesion.

AFU (Amine-Free Urethane) 850 is a self-crosslinking, amine- and solvent-free polyurethane dispersion. It offers ultra-neutral wood warming, very good film body, scratch resistance, very good sanding features, and is ideal for crosslinking with carbodiimides and silanes.

ALBOlink CD 20 is a carbodiimid crosslinker for all kinds of water-based polymers. It is not classified under GHS, so is “label-free”, and can be sold for DIY users. It was developed to replace polyisocyanates in wood coatings, looks like an isocyanate, offers very easy mixing and no side reactions, works with almost any polymer and offers significant improvement in chemical and hydrolysis resistance.

Furniture Coatings

New products for furniture coatings include UC 8400 hard, aliphatic copolymer from acrylic acid esters and polyester polyurethane, and UC 8600 hard aliphatic copolymer based on polycarbonate polyurethane. UC 8400 has been designed for coatings on wood, plastics and metal with high hardness, scratch resistance and good adhesion. It offers very high hardness, excellent chemical and blocking resistance, is resistant to hand fat and is highly scratch resistant, and is an ideal combination partner for water-based acrylics and UV-curable dispersions. UC 8600 has been optimized for use in pigmented coating systems. Thanks to its hard and hydrophobic polymer film one can formulate pigmented furniture finishes with outstanding stain and chemical resistance. Furthermore, formulations based on the dispersion offer hand-fat and lotion resistance as well as a very scratch-resistant surface.

AC 3699 is a hard, multiphase, OH-functional acrylic dispersion for industrial two-pack furniture and floor coatings. It is clear in the can, offers rapid hardness development, very good wood warming, very good chemical resistance, excellent mechanical resistance, very good adhesion, good sanding properties, and very long open time.

Graphic Arts and Film Coatings

For the graphic arts and film coatings market, Alberdingk introduced U 4000 and AC 4600 anionic, solvent-free, neutralized acrylic dispersions designed for block-resistant, heat-sealable coatings for OPP films.

BASF Offers Tailor-Made Product Innovation

The broad range of products offered by BASF included dispersions, resins, formulation additives, light stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, hardeners, crosslinking agents, reactive diluents and solvents.

Environmentally Compatible Corrosion Protection for Industrial Metal Coatings

The new water-based Acronal® PRO 7600 acrylic dispersion provides light to medium corrosion protection (categories C2 to C3) for industrial metal coatings. The binder offers an environmentally compatible drop-in solution that does not contain APEO and replaces Acronal PRO 760, the current market standard. Acronal PRO 7600 can be used for all current applications such as airless, brush, roll or dip.

Environmentally Compatible High-Performance Dispersion for Interior Paints

With the Acronal 6292 dispersion, paint manufacturers are able to produce sophisticated interior paints with highest wet scrub resistance at competitive prices. The water-based styrene-acrylate binder is a high-quality alternative to conventional technologies and facilitates the formulation of environmentally compatible interior paints: Acronal 6292 is a low-odor product that neither contains ammonia nor coalescents.

Highly Efficient Defoamer for Water-Based Systems

Foam formation is a common problem that occurs during production and processing of paints and coatings. To avoid such problems, BASF has added a new defoamer to its range of formulation additives that is based on organo-modified polysiloxanes – FoamStar® SI 2240. Apart from its strong defoaming effect, FoamStar SI 2240 shows broad compatibility with different binder systems and excellent long-term stability and efficiency. FoamStar SI 2240 is registered worldwide and can, among other applications, be used in water-based architectural coatings, industrial coatings, as well as in pigment concentrates. In addition, FoamStar SI 2240 complies with specific FDA and EU requirements for food contact and is therefore suited for printing and packaging applications.

New Kaolin-Based Product for Architectural Paint Applications

With the launch of kaolin-based Mattex® PRO, BASF continues to develop new technology with focus on sustainability. Mattex PRO enables paint formulators to eliminate flatting agents and crystalline silica-containing minerals while simultaneously providing simpler formulations and the same high-performance results with less TiO₂.

Creating New Colors for the Coatings Market

BASF also introduced Paliocrom® Brilliant Red EH 1000 (L 3254) and showcased the new Global Color Presentation for the automotive and industrial coatings markets. Developed in 2016, the presentation highlighted upcoming trends for 2017 and beyond. 

Paliocrom Brilliant Red EH 1000 (L 3254) is an extremely saturated mid-shade red silver dollar aluminum pigment that simultaneously delivers superior travel, excellent gloss and unmatched hiding. This is made possible through very narrow particle size distributions of ultrasmooth aluminum flakes that are coated in an optimized process and passivated to provide gassing stability. The new effect pigment expands styling options for automotive and high-performance industrial coatings customers.

BYK Unveils Additive Solutions for Radiation-Curing Coating Systems and More

During my March visit to BYK-Chemie in Wesel, Germany, Marcel Krohnen, Global Head of End-Use Wood and Furniture Coatings, gave me an in-depth tour of the company’s R&D and application labs. I learned how the company is organized around both internal and external perspectives. The internal perspective focuses on products and product groups, such as rheology, wetting/dispersing, surface additives/defoamers, and colloidal systems. Here, synthesis labs conduct both short- and long-term research and development projects. The external side focuses on end users, and features technical service groups that are dedicated to specific market segments to meet customer needs. Many times the R&D projects that the product groups are working on are based on interests and requests received by the technical service groups from customers.

One such area of interest is tactile and visual attractiveness, coupled with optimum protection against mechanical and chemical stress. These can be determining factors for any decision to purchase parquet flooring or wood furniture, and they have now become increasingly characteristic of the end-user market. BYK’s latest additive solutions for radiation-curing coating systems, which were unveiled at the ECS, address these issues.

BYK-1788 and BYK-1799 are VOC-free defoamers for solventborne, high-solid and solvent-free systems with particular suitability for 100%-UV systems. As a defoamer with extraordinary broad compatibility, BYK-1788 is especially recommended for clearcoat systems, whereas BYK-1799, on account of its very strong defoaming action, is pre-eminently suited for matte or pigmented coating systems and printing inks.

To systematically supplement its product portfolio in the area of wetting and dispersing additives, BYK has developed two new products that are characterized by their highly effective dispersion and stabilization of untreated and treated silica-based matting agents. Their use leads to a very significant reduction in viscosity, thus allowing a far larger quantity of matting agents to be incorporated. This also makes it possible to achieve a far more homogenous incorporation and orientation of the matting agents for deep matte UV-curing and conventional solvent-based wood and furniture coatings.

BYK has also been working for many years on steadily enhancing the functionality and look of architectural coatings that combine both optimum performance and environmental friendliness. BYK presented the following new product developments at the ECS that satisfy these requirements.

DISPERBYK-2062 is a VOC- and APEO-free wetting and dispersing additive for the manufacture of universal pigment concentrates. It augments the existing BYK portfolio in terms of improving the compatibility of inorganic pigment concentrates in both solventborne and aqueous systems, and satisfies all the regulations and quality labels in the architectural coatings sector.

Another focus of the development work has centered on the systematic expansion of the product portfolio for rheology additives. As a result, BYK presented both a new high-shear and a new low-shear thickener, which are impressive not only due to their absence of APEO, VOCs, S-VOCs, tin and propylene glycol, but also due to their extreme effectiveness.

OPTIFLO-T 1010 is a high-performance liquid rheology additive for aqueous systems. Due to its specific impact in the high-shear range, this additive provides a clear improvement in syneresis, spatter resistance and brushability.

Additionally, a newly developed low-shear thickener, OPTIFLO-H 7625 VF, was introduced. This additive specifically creates pseudoplastic flow behavior, which impacts positively on the anti-sagging properties and the storage stability in aqueous coating systems. The additives are practically suitable for any application, provide a high degree of effectiveness and reduce the complexity of the coating system.

Cabot Introduces Expanded Range of Treated Fumed Silica-Based Rheology Modifiers

Cabot Corporation introduced its expanded range of treated fumed silica-based rheology modifiers designed for discerning industrial and automotive coatings customers. These products offer the right level of balance between rheology control and film appearance, and eliminate tradeoffs between the two performance characteristics. Examples of Cabot’s expanded portfolio include the new CAB-O-SIL^® TS-5022 treated fumed silica and under-development TPX-1481 treated fumed silica that enable excellent film appearance. Cabot also promoted its line of specialty carbon black products, including its EMPEROR® high-color pigments offering excellent jetness and electrical conductivity for both water- and solvent-based coatings applications. Cabot’s EMPEROR products are designed for automotive basecoats and deep black masstone applications, and feature proprietary surface treatment technology that breaks the tradeoff between color performance and dispersibility.

Ivana Jovanovic, Vice President and Regional Business Director EMEA, said, “ECS is a key event for our business in the EMEA region focusing on our target market segments of coatings, adhesives and sealants. It is a great opportunity to promote our brand, introduce new products, collaborate with our customers and distributors, and generate new leads for our business. This year it was a great success. The Cabot team has done an outstanding job in design and set up of the boot and articulation of key messages, which attracted large number of visitors, both existing and new customers, leading to strengthening existing relationships and creating new business opportunities.”

       

Cathay Industries Introduces New Yellow Iron Oxides

New CATHAYCOAT™ pigments were the highlight at Cathay Industries' booth. The manufacturer of synthetic iron oxide pigments presented its Yellows YA22HR and YS23HR, offering increased heat resistance.

“This year's European Coatings Show has exceeded our expectations. We are very pleased with the positive feedback we received from both existing and potential customers,” stated Axel Schneider, CEO Cathay Industries Europe. He continued, “Our proven products as well as our innovations generated great interest.”

CATHAYCOAT Yellow YA22HR and CATHAYCOAT Yellow YS23HR withstand temperatures well over 200 °C. Compared to traditionally used zinc ferrites, Cathay's new products are characterized by clean and bright color shades. Thanks to its micronized characteristic, CATHAYCOAT Yellow YA22HR offers even higher levels of brilliance and optimal dispersibility in the users' systems. The pigments are mainly utilized in coil and powder coatings as well as in a variety of plastics applications.

ECS visitors also had the opportunity to learn about products from Hoover Color. For the first time, Cathay's new division was exhibiting alongside its new parent company. The presentation included semitransparent raw and burnt umbers as well as transparent EnvironOxides® as products for a “green” approach.

 

Clariant Unveils First Renewable, Label- and VOC/SVOC-Free Neutralizer for Waterborne Paints

Clariant offered journalists a unique “speed networking” event at the ECS. Press members rotated between three different stations, spending approximately 10 minutes at each location, learning from company experts and asking questions about Clariant’s latest innovations.

One such innovation - the launch of the industry’s first renewable-based, VOC/SVOC-free and hazard label-free neutralizing agent: Genamin Gluco 50 - breaks new ground for the indoor paint and coatings segment. VOC/SVOC-free means the VOC/SVOC content is below the measurable threshold of 0.1% according to ISO 11890-2 and 16000-9. The new sugar-based additive innovation supports formulators in meeting consumer demand for low odor, healthier, and easy-to-apply indoor paints and lacquers. Its introduction is also significant for ecolabel-certified paints, where a reduction in additives can help to keep a formulation within low VOC/SVOC limits.

Genamin Gluco 50 combines an outstanding sustainable profile with performance-boosting properties that set it apart from existing neutralizing options for waterborne coatings. In contrast to standard neutralizers, such as ammonia or caustic soda, Genamin Gluco 50 does more than adjust the pH value of a formulation to around 8-10 to create a stable paint system with minor interactions between the paint. It also enhances the performance and quality profile of the waterborne coating.

Genamin Gluco 50 acts as a 3-in-1 additive, being neutralizer, compatibilizer and stabilizer in one additive. The product achieves additional functionalities and proven advantages for the formulation, such as improving storage stability and pigment compatibility, and reducing flash-rust formation. In certain aspects, its performance is proven to be superior to that of alternative multifunctional additives such as aminomethyl propanol (AMP).

 “Super-Transparent” Pigment Preparations

Clariant also unveiled Hostatint™ A 100-ST, a range of super-transparent preparations based on nonhalogenated pigments to support the eye-catching metallic and mineral effects, as well as new shades for surface and contour enhancements so desired for today’s lifestyle products. The new range features nine ready-to-use, highly transparent pigment preparations that offer the entire color circle to solvent-based paint systems. Very fine pigment particles, excellent dispersion and long-term stabilization are the prerequisites to enhance effects with color intensity similar to dyes but with very high light and weather fastness, and no migration or bleeding.

In addition to its performance benefits, Hostatint A 100-ST helps the coatings industry to open up manufacturers’ creativity options. For electronics OEMs, the halogen-free pigment molecules support the formulation of bright green color shades that meet industry restrictions on halogen content.

Industrial coatings with the super transparency of Hostatint A 100-ST can be used to add a quality appeal to applications by emphasizing the visibility of a substrate such as glass, wood or metal. Super transparent colored coatings, virtually invisible over a black substrate, are also particularly effective in highlighting black/color contrast.

Hostatint A 100-ST pigment preparations are easy and safe to use. They have low viscosity, are widely compatible with solvent-based paint systems, and a very high flashpoint results in safer storage, transportation and handling. The stability of the colorants contributes to a long shelf life.

Bernhard Stengel-Rutkowski, Senior Global Technical Marketing Manager at Clariant, commented, “From cellphones to bikes and cars, metallic and mineral effect shades are becoming increasingly important for industrial applications. There’s also growing interest in using high transparency to enhance glass or wood surface properties. As a full range of pigment preparations, new Hostatint A 100-ST enables the fast and flexible formulation of a wide range of color shades for transparent applications. In addition, they are providing a cost-efficient way for manufacturers to address new coating trends in the market segments.”

Colorants for UV-Cured Wood Coatings

Clariant also introduced a complete color range of high-performance, easy-to-use colorants for UV-cured wood coatings. The new Hostatint UV pigment preparation range supports the trend for colored UV systems and the industry focus on improving sustainability and product performance.

UV curing is gaining in popularity as coatings producers recognize its advantages in creating coatings with enhanced scratch, chemical and abrasion resistance, using less energy and resources. The technology offers opportunities for fast curing at low temperatures, increasing line speed to improve productivity, thus offering environmental and surface performance benefits.

Clariant’s new Hostatint UV liquid pigment preparations go the next step in supporting easy formulation of low-VOC, high-performance coatings. The ready-to-use tinters are suitable for both interior and exterior coatings and cover the full color spectrum in opaque and transparent applications for dual and 100% UV systems.

Prof. Dr. Georg Meichsner, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Germany, said, “UV curing is very important in today’s trend to reduce solvent emissions. The curing of colored coatings without any major restrictions will be a key success factor.” Dr. Thomas Metz, Head of Global Competence Center Coatings at Clariant, added, “Clariant’s Hostatint UV range offers an easy solution to meet the growing trend for colored UV systems. The full color spectrum is covered with high-performance, ready-to-use pigment preparations that add further value to the increased productivity, lower costs and surface performance improvements of UV cured wood coatings.”

Other New Products

The following products also made their debut at ECS.

• New stabilizers that will pioneer easy application for biocide-free mineral paints: Dispersogen^® SPS and Dispersogen SPG, awarded an EcoTain label for sustainability excellence.
• New Exolit^® fire protection ingredients for intumescent coatings that also prolong shelf life.
• AddWorks^® IBC 251: a “tribo enhancing” additive for electrostatic powder coatings, providing an all-in-one solution for cost-effective formulations.
• Hostavin^® TB-03: a synergistic UV absorber/light stabilizer for solvent- and water-based coatings.
• Licocare^® RBW: a new family of waxes based on renewable feedstocks.

Coatex Showcases Rheological Additives

With other business units of the Arkema Group, Coatex showcased its rheological additives at the ECS. The design of new rheology additives is driven by the growing trends of the automotive, industrial, furniture, flooring and architectural coatings markets, and construction industries.

Drivers for the company’s latest developments include economical concerns with lower raw material and manufacturing costs, faster and easier application, technical and performance improvements with longer durability, low dirt pick-up, and water resistance.

The new very pseudoplastic PU thickener, Coapur™ XS 83, was especially designed for challenging industrial coatings. And the Coadis™ range of specialty dispersing agents was extended to provide specific properties.

 

Dow Offers a Variety of New Technologies

Dow Coating Materials

The innovation-themed program from Dow Coating Materials (DCM) was designed to highlight the power of partnerships and persistence to facilitate advances and scientific breakthroughs in the paint and coatings industry. It also showed how cultivating connections across the business and technology spectrums supports inspirational ideas, and helps to achieve a shared path to growth.

DCM offers a comprehensive menu of solutions, ranging from binders to additives, pure acrylics to hybrids. With chemistry ranging from PU-based materials to isocyanate-free options, and silicone-based designs to tailored rheology modifiers, the business is devoted to sourcing the best possible building blocks of raw materials to suit its customers’ hugely varied requirements.

Examples of technology that were on display include:

• Water-based pure acrylic technology for exterior coatings, designed to drive sustainability benefits and bring brightness and durability to formulations, even in tough environments. Highlights included the latest PRIMAL™ ST-410 for wood stains and composite decking, offering an optimized stabilization system for controlled erosion, and two-in-one primer PRIMAL™ PR-45.
• New acrylics for white and clear joinery topcoats, offering excellent color retention and adhesion as well as low water uptake and weathering gloss - even after minimal drying, supporting increased line speeds.
• Formaldehyde abatement technology, FORMASHIELD™, used in the development of the PRIMAL™ SF-208 binder, which removes formaldehyde from indoor air and converts it to harmless water vapor.
• Additives such as the latest rheology modifier ACRYSOL™ RM-3030, an ICI builder that offers formulation flexibility alongside leveling and sag balance designed to deliver a smooth paint film - as well as excellent color acceptance and outstanding surface aesthetics.
• Innovative chemistry for industrial and concrete coatings in the form of MAINCOTE™ acrylic epoxy hybrid technology, created to offer one of the best features of waterborne epoxy dispersions and acrylic/epoxy systems, yet with better UV stability and productivity, thanks to increased pot life and faster return to service.
• New developments driving sustainability and faster drying times in direct-to-metal coatings: MAINCOTE™ HG acrylic waterborne resins offer opportunities to convert to water-based, low-VOC formulations without compromising on corrosion resistance, flow, hardness or chemical resistance.
• Progressive can coating technology with innovative CANVERA™ polyolefin dispersions, created using BLUEWAVE™ Technology, which facilitates the development of ultra-thin, thermoplastic film coatings that can be spray-applied from waterborne formulations to the inside of cans.
• The latest developments in FASTRACK™ waterborne binders for road-markings, with sports stadium owners increasingly showing interest in the quick-set technology and enhanced line visibility, alongside highways authorities looking for sustainable yet effective marking solutions.

Dow Construction Chemicals

Specific solutions being highlighted  at the ECS included WALOCEL™ Xtra high-performance cellulose ether for various gypsum applications, including the latest development for spray plaster; new binder technology Elastomeric Roof Coatings with high-quality, durable waterproofing performance and an improved environmental profile; as well as a preview on the latest developments for cement-based tile adhesives and new opportunities enabled by the broadened technology platform, for applications such as ETICS, roof tile or fiber cement applications.

Dow Corning

Dow Corning became an integrated part of the Dow Chemical company on June 1st 2016. During the ECS Dow Corning showcased how to reach the next levels in mechanical resistance of architectural coatings, both in wall paint and wood coatings. Efficient and versatile additives like Dow Corning® 52 additive improve abrasion, scratch and blocking resistance significantly. Of specific interest for wall paint is the improvement of mar resistance in dark colors.

Particularly for protective coatings the company recently launched Dow Corning® 2405 resin, which can contribute to improved flexibility in high-temperature-resistant coatings. This innovative product is in addition room temperature curing.

Dow Adhesives for Packaging, Textiles and Hygiene

Dow Adhesives showcased a comprehensive portfolio of acrylic-, polyolefin- and polyurethane-based adhesives, binders, coatings and dispersions for diverse applications in the packaging, automotive, building and construction, consumer durables, textiles and hygiene markets.

Key offerings include:

• Water-based adhesives for the tapes industry; 
• Extended offering for labeling applications; 
• Customized solutions for protective films;
• Leading technologies for graphic films applications;
• Specific proposals for textiles and nonwovens including ultralow formaldehyde binder technology.

Dow Industrial Solutions

Dow Industrial Solutions brings customer-focused innovation that addresses formulators’ critical needs with a wide range of available chemistries and extensive applications expertise. The business focused on ensuring regulatory compliance, improving productivity, enabling improved performance efficiency, and providing an offering for sustainability.

Dow Industrial Solutions offers solvents that are extensively used in coating formulations. A broad range of products and properties provide formulators with the proper solvency for many types of resins. The utilization of a solvent system with the proper balance of solvency, volatility and surface tension properties can significantly improve the application and performance characteristics of coatings.

Dow Industrial Specialties

This division offered a wide range of industrial nitrocellulose to the printing inks, wood coatings, leather varnish, nail varnish and many other industries. The comprehensive portfolio consists of standard nitrocellulose and free-flowing nitrocellulose damped with isopropanol, ethanol or water and Nitrocellulose Chips phlegmatized with ESO, ATBC or SAIB. All grades are available in a wide viscosity range. Industrial nitrocellulose is approved for direct contact with food according to EU and FDA regulations.

Dow Microbial Control

Dow Microbial Control noted that a microbial control program encompasses plant hygiene, in-can preservation (for both the raw materials and final formulated product), dry film preservation and monitoring. The EU regulatory framework continues to challenge the status quo of preservation in the paint industry. The water framework directive, BPR and Ecolabels are examples that each represent the continued need for change and re-design of preservation systems to meet the need of the market.

The ROCIMA™, BIOBAN™ and KATHON™ product families offer customers a comprehensive product portfolio for in-can preservatives and dry-film protection.

Dow DurableScience

Under the theme of DurableScience, Dow presented specific coating solutions for transportation and industrial applications.

• DOW TRAFFIDECK™ GO anti-slip floor coating, which makes load security easier and safer. Its elastomeric properties accommodate the transportation movements and protect the trailer floor against corrosion. These are available in spray and hand applied systems for ease of application.
• DOW HYPERLAST™ PLUS provides advanced coatings for industrial applications. Suitable for concrete and steel surfaces, the range offers improved chemical and abrasion resistance. Thanks to its elastomeric performance the coating remains intact even when the concrete substrate moves or breaks. The ease of application and fast curing time result in low equipment downtime.

DSM Showcases New Sustainable Paint

DSM and Italian paint manufacturer ICA Group have jointly developed a new, sustainable paint for industrial interior furniture applications called Iridea Bio. It contains DSM’s Decovery^® plant-based resin. Decovery resins are made from renewable resources and combine typical acrylic performance with beneficial sustainability characteristics. The new Iridea Bio paint line provides for coatings that are more resilient, lightfast and resistant to chemicals than existing alkyd resins. In addition, it is safer and healthier to use, and is suitable for intensive industrial processing.

DSM received the European Coatings Show Award for best paper: "Health-Risk-Free Resins for a Better Future, Based on Fatty Acid-Modified Polyurethane Dispersions.” Although challenging, by tailoring the backbone of a urethane it is possible to create resins for paint that comply with any regulation or voluntary label, and without emissions. Such urethanized alkyd binders, commercially available from DSM, exhibit optimal performance yet do not pose any health risks.

DSM’s booth itself was almost completely made out of recyclable materials (like cardboard) and carried DSM’s sustainable solutions:

• Powder coatings for heat-sensitive substrates (Uralac^® Ultra);
• Plant-based resins for interior wall paint and industrial wood (Decovery^®);
• Niaga^® technology for carpet production; adhesives that enable endless material re-use. 

 

Hexion Launches Low-VOC Waterborne Epoxy Resins

Hexion launched two new waterborne epoxy resins. These label-free, low-volatile organic compound (VOC) resins enable the manufacture of high-performance, water-based coatings at a competitive cost.

“Our new resins, EPI-REZ™ Resin 6521-WH-56 and EPI-REZ Resin 6531-WH-57 enable formulators to create environmentally compliant coatings with excellent adhesion to both metals and nonmetals,” said Ann Frederix, Senior Vice President, Epoxy Specialties. “Their flexibility and strong corrosion resistance make them well suited for demanding applications like transportation and heavy-duty protective coatings.” These new waterborne epoxy resin dispersions are used alone or as a blend.

 Benefits include:

• Improved adhesion to a range of substrates, including blank steel;
• Excellent corrosion and water resistance;
• Greater flexibility and impact resistance;
• Enhanced chemical resistance;
• Ease of use and environmental compliance;
• Longer pot life of up to 6-8 hours;
• Fast dry, with wet-on-wet recoating options;
• Storage stability at ambient temperature and up to 50 °C;
• Greater shear stability, allowing pigment dispersion;
• Very low co-solvent levels, allowing the formulation of very low-VOC coatings (< 50 g/L).

The two new resins can be blended to provide a balance of properties, and each has its own features. EPI-REZ Resin 6531-WH-57 provides extra flexibility and impact resistance, making it especially suitable for transportation applications. It also provides a long pot life and contains only 2.5% solvent, resulting in easy-to-use, very low-VOC coatings. EPI-REZ Resin 6521-WH-56 provides greater hardness and faster drying with performance similar to Hexion’s NewGen™ Epoxy resin EPI-REZ 6520-WH-53, at an attractive cost. Both new resins are currently produced in Europe.
 

Huntsman Unveils New Range of Low-Temperature-Curing Agents

Huntsman Advanced Materials, a division of Huntsman Corporation, launched a new portfolio of low-temperature-curing agents for heavy-duty industrial coatings applications in sectors including oil and gas, marine, transportation, and industrial maintenance.

The Ara® Cool range has been designed in response to key challenges facing the coatings industry, including the need for faster curing at low temperatures and reduced VOC levels in products. With improved curing speed between 0 °C and 10 °C, along with excellent surface appearance and adhesion properties, the products are suited to a variety of applications including anticorrosion and protective coatings, as well as decorative paints.

By enabling formulators to address the need for faster processing in cold or unpredictable weather, the range increases productivity by extending application periods into the cooler seasons and avoiding breaks in the application schedule. The extremely long pot life of the products enables ease of application, allowing end users to save on time and overall project expenditure.

In addition, the VOC levels across the Ara Cool portfolio are in line with regulatory requirements for low-temperature-cure applications, and are REACH compliant to meet new regulations being introduced next year.

The range launched with three initial products:

• Ara Cool 3077 – multipurpose low-temperature-curing hardener (zero-VOC). This highly reactive, formulated amine provides a zero-VOC alternative to benzyl alcohol and solutions that contain SVHC. Ara Cool 3077 is a multipurpose hardener for coatings and flooring applications that has been designed to deliver superior reactivity at temperatures as low as 5 °C and can be used as a co-accelerator for slow hardeners.
• Ara Cool 1047 W 80 – surface-tolerant low-temperature-curing hardener. A Mannich-base high-solid hardener for low-temperature-cure metallic surfaces, Ara Cool 1047 W 80 provides excellent corrosion protection for critical substrates that require fast hardness development at 5 °C or less. It offers superior surface appearance and excellent adhesion, even under humid or cold conditions.
• Ara Cool 1034 XW 90 – low-temperature-curing hardener with very long pot life. This modified Mannich-base type is an ultrahigh-solid hardener for pre-treated steel surfaces with an improved pot life. The SVHC-free Ara Cool 1034 XW 90 has outstanding low-temperature reactivity and is suitable for applications in general protective and decorative paints.

“The launch of the Ara Cool range sees us take a clear step forward in achieving superior reactivity levels at low temperatures,” explained Dr. Martin Gerlitz, Marketing Manager at Huntsman Advanced Materials. “With outstanding cure speeds, even in the coldest of conditions, the portfolio meets the increased demand we are seeing for most efficient coatings for extreme climates. In addition to opening up new markets for our customers, the low VOC levels of Ara Cool are futureproofed to meet new 2018 regulations, providing reassurance that the products meet the needs of the industry for years to come.”
 

LANXESS Offers Products and Services for Coatings' Toughest Demands

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS showcased its comprehensive product portfolio for manufacturing coating materials. Examples include benzyl products, the latest biocides and environmentally friendly colorants. One of the highlights was the new Bayferrox iron oxide pigments manufactured at the company’s Ningbo site in China. 

High-Performance Pigments for All Kinds of Demands

With its Bayferrox and Colortherm iron and chrome oxide series, LANXESS supplies a comprehensive portfolio of inorganic pigments in more than 100 colors. “As our customers see it, our decades of experience in manufacturing quality products and in process development and optimization sets us apart from many of our competitors,” said Thomas Pfeiffer, Vice President for the EMEA region for the Inorganic Pigments (IPG) business unit at LANXESS. “We continuously invest in new technologies in order to meet the demand for high-quality, sustainably produced pigments driven by the urbanization megatrend.”

The products largely meet customers’ increased wishes with regard to color intensity, consistent quality of color, ease of processing and worldwide availability. “The key advantages of our high-performance pigments are the narrow tolerances in the colors’ shades and intensity. This makes color reproduction faster, easier and more reliable during the manufacture of paints and coatings. What’s more, their micronization makes these pigments extremely dispersible,” explained Dr. Stephan Spiegelhauer, Head of IPG’s Global Competence Center Paint & Coatings.

Chemist Dr. Christine Kathrein, Head of Product Development in Product and Business Development at IPG, gave a talk on “Highly Targeted Color Spaces with Made-to-Measure Iron Oxide Pigments” at the Conference. She explained how the chromaticity of inorganic pigments is determined by the complex relationship between particle size and shape, endowment, particle size distribution and dispersibility within the matrix. She also spoke about the Ningbo process developed by LANXESS, which enables a narrow particle size distribution and achieves a color that exactly matches the specified target parameters. Compared to all other iron oxides on the market, the innovative and particularly sustainable Ningbo process makes it possible to manufacture the brightest and most yellow-toned red pigments.

New Water-Based Pigment Preparations

LANXESS’ Rhein Chemie Additives (ADD) business unit showcased its large portfolio of Levanyl and Levanox water-based pigment preparations. 

With an ideally proportioned pigment volume concentration, the inorganic dispersions of the Levanox series achieve excellent results in opacity, lightfastness, and weather and chemical resistance. The excellent resistance of these products means they are primarily used in construction and coatings.

The specially balanced content of organic pigments makes the Levanyl range particularly brilliant and colorful. These products are primarily used in colorings and coatings, wood protection and printing. Recently, ADD has broadened its Levanyl series with 12 new products. They are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and comply with the key European norms and standards. The new Levanyl types meet standards for use in children’s toys (EN 71-3/71-7/71-9), qualify for the environmental labels Nordic Swan and Blue Angel, and are listed in the database run by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) of “BfR-recommended materials for contact with food.” Ralf Scholtz, Head of the Colorant Additives business line at ADD, says: “We have already produced samples and provided our customers with technical advice, and the new products have already replaced previous ones without problems in a wide range of applications.” 

New Regulatory Challenges for Biocides

Paint and coating manufacturers are increasingly subject to more rigorous labeling thresholds and other demands on their products, such as lower leaching of active ingredients. The new product range from the Material Protection Products (MPP) business unit is equipped to meet these regulatory and technical challenges, and allows customers to modify their preservatives strategy accordingly. 

Warnings for sensitizers and allergy labeling are playing an increasingly important role in the evaluation of biocides. The European Chemicals Agency has proposed significantly lowering the labeling threshold for methylisothiazolinone (MIT). MIT is one of the most frequently used active ingredients worldwide for in-can preservation. A low labeling threshold for this active ingredient would mean DIY products exceeding these MIT levels could in the future only be sold to professional users. 

MIT-free formulations containing combinations of isothiazolinones (BIT, CMIT/MIT, OIT) and/or bronopol are already available. LANXESS is also testing combinations with other nonsensitizing biocide active ingredients. Nicolas Gallacier, Global Marketing Director for Industrial Preservation and Coatings at MPP, stated, “Our registration experts are actively involved in association committees and in close contact with the authorities so as to ensure we can help equip our customers for the new legislation. This shows that LANXESS is a competent partner that enables paints and coatings manufacturers to operate successfully on the market.”      

LANXESS also featured a new generation of preservatives, the “Preventol next” series. Preventol next A 29-D and Preventol next A 31-D are fungicide/algicide combinations that have achieved excellent results in the laboratory and in two-year external weathering tests in a damp climate. Their innovative slow-release technology meets industry’s growing demands for low leaching and environmental impact.

Industrial Chemicals for High-Quality Formulations

LANXESS also exhibited its benzyl products. The main exhibit was benzyl alcohol for the production of premium colorant and coating formulations. The company manufacturers this high-purity substance at production sites in India and Germany. With its two facilities on separate continents, LANXESS is very well positioned to supply this key chemical to global corporations with various production locations, and small and medium-sized enterprises in a wide range of countries. “Through the ongoing optimization of our logistics processes, we are able to provide our customers with high supply reliability,” added Hans-Joachim Feldhaus, Global Marketing Director for Benzyl Products and Amines in the Advanced Industrial Intermediates business unit.
 

Lomon Billions Introduces High-Performance Chloride Titanium Dioxide Pigment

BILLIONS^® BLR-895 titanium dioxide pigment is a new high-performance TiO₂ pigment from Lomon Billions introduced at the ECS. Developed through customer consultation at the company’s 1200 m² technology center in China, and manufactured using the chloride process, the new durable pigment has excellent dispersion, opacity and gloss, and delivers brilliant whiteness with a clean blue tone making it suitable for an extensive range of architectural and industrial coatings.

“We listened to our customers and built their feedback into our product design,” said Julie Reid, Marketing Director. “BILLIONS BLR-895 pigment is a really versatile pigment. It’s suitable for water-based and solvent-based interior and exterior architectural coatings and can also be used in a wide range of industrial applications including coil, powder and automotive coatings.

BLR-895 pigment can deliver a brighter bluer white when compared with several competitive chloride TiO₂ pigments including internationally recognized brands, and thanks to its inorganic surface coating it has outstanding dispersion performance. It disperses quickly and easily into coatings formulations, helping to achieve efficient production and high-quality coatings. We’re delighted that our new pigment has already been approved and used by leading global coatings producers.”

Lomon Billions is now the world’s 4^th largest producer of high-performance titanium dioxide pigments and 1^st in Asia in terms of TiO₂ pigment production capacity. The company manufactures a wide range of high-performance titanium dioxide pigments for all major applications using the sulfate process, including BILLIONS^®TR52 specialist pigment for high-quality inks. The company also produces TiO₂ pigments using the chloride process, including BILLIONS BLR-896 pigment designed for durable heavy-duty industrial coatings that are constantly exposed to intense weathering.

 

Merck Presents New Products and Concepts

Merck KGaA presented novel products and innovative concepts for the paint and coatings industry. Multimedia displays were used to show the potential and possibilities of the company’s innovations. Underscoring the “Bold & Vibrant” theme, a Rolls-Royce and a Harley-Davidson featuring premium effect pigments attracted much attention.

Merck launched Xirallic® NXT Cougar Red at the ECS. It is the fourth product in the Xirallic NXT series, modeled on the beauty and fascination of big cats. It creates a spectacularly neutral to bluish red and lively sparkle – following the metallic shimmer of Panthera Silver, the interplay between color and extraordinary sparkle of Leonis Gold, and the special intensity and brilliance of Tigris Blue. Used alone or in combination with other pigments, the red crystalline pigments of Xirallic NXT Cougar Red give coatings a mysterious magic with an intense sparkle in a broad spectrum of possible shades. They impart even more depth to black automotive coatings.

The ECS also provided a first look at Meoxal® Victoria Red, which will be available in late 2017. It is the fourth effect pigment in the Meoxal series, featuring excellent color intensity and extraordinary brilliance while evoking the world’s deserts. Meoxal Victoria Red is inspired by the color strength and intensity of Australia’s Great Victoria Desert. The simultaneously color-intense and vibrant effect pigment enables stylings both in pure red and in bluish nuances.

Merck also presented Tivida® FL 3000. It is the first nonionic fluorosurfactant from the Tivida series and is excellently suited for aqueous and nonaqueous coating formulations. Thanks to its high chemical stability, it also works very well in applications with either acidic or alkaline pH values.

Pigments from the Iriotec® 7000 series dissipate electrostatic charge where it develops: on the surface of printed packaging and painted or coated surfaces. The new product Iriotec 7340 has an even lighter-colored mass tone – with the proven conductivity of the Iriotec 7000 range, it is particularly suited for light-colored or colored coatings and floor coatings as well as for conductive primers for electrostatic application (ESTA).

The functional pigments from the Iriotec 8000 series convert laser light to durable, wear-resistant markings that remain in the material. So far, this series has made a name for itself for indestructible markings in all types and colors of plastic. Now there’s Iriotec 8850: This innovative pigment reacts so quickly and sensitively to laser light that only a very thin layer is sufficient for a permanent marking. Light and colored powder-coated surfaces can now be labeled with razorsharp expiration dates, bar codes or trademarks. The pigment’s fast reaction time uses a process developed by LPKF Laser & Electronics AG for an extremely innovative purpose: With laser light and this pigment, a large number of light-colored plastics and powder coatings can be metallized as the basis for the development of 3D circuit carriers. These circuit boards are applied directly to the component, creating totally new design possibilities for designers and product developers.

Inspiring Concepts and Application Examples          

Merck’s booth also featured an innovative concept car (“the car of tomorrow”). Visitors were able to view this type of car “live” in virtual reality with smartglasses. The car meets future automotive trends, requirements, and usage patterns with materials from Merck. These materials include colors for car body paints that virtual users can create themselves using novel effect pigments, as well as autonomous driving, online communication, adaptive headlights, various design options for interiors and exteriors, and innovatively shaped displays.

Merck illustrated the innovative power of its products through the materials used in its own booth. The floor shimmered with a striking-muted effect provided by Miraval® Cosmic Silver. Façade panels showed the possibility of effect pigments with coil coatings and powder coatings, for example with Xirallic NXT Leonis Gold. Liquid crystal window modules created privacy by partitioning the meeting nooks. An eye-catching Rolls-Royce was one of the main attractions, while a Harley-Davidson featuring premium pearlescent pigments at the hall’s east entrance invited visitors to stop by the company’s booth.

 

The Microbial Control Executive Council Meets with Industry Representatives

The Microbial Control Executive Council (MCEC) is comprised of the world's leading companies producing microbial control solutions. The MCEC attended the ECS and met with industry representatives and press to engage in meaningful dialog about the aims of the group as well as the shared values of its member organizations.

“The MCEC was created to promote and explain the added value and innovation that microbial control technologies bring to society,” said W. Brian Smith, MCEC Co-Chair, and Executive Vice President and COO of Troy Corp. “Member organizations saw the value in an organization of this kind to foster open dialog about microbial control, and to educate the public on the many benefits this advanced technology offers. Additionally, the MCEC was conceived by member companies to educate audiences on the efforts of these companies undertake to ensure the development of safe, environmentally responsible product technologies.”

“Microbial control technologies are essential in today's paints and coatings, both in the paint can during storage and when applied to exterior as well as interior surfaces. The science of microbial control involved determining the source of contaminants and surface growth threats, and then devising the most effective, safest and 'greenest' means to protect them. That is the focus of member organizations at this week's show, and one of the areas the MCEC is engaged in.”

The MCEC is a sector group of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) for the advancement of microbial control. The MCEC brings together six world leading companies supplying microbial control solutions – BASF, The Dow Chemical Company, LANXESS, Lonza, Troy and ICL. The MCEC is headquartered in Brussels and facilitates dialog on behalf of its members with a broad range of regional and global stakeholders.

 

Olin Positions Itself in European Market

Olin added Dow’s Epoxy business to its own in 2015. With a strong presence in the United States, Olin saw the ECS as an important event to position itself in the European market. The company’s range of technologies include low-VOC and waterborne resins, hardeners and curing agents, basic epoxy resins, specialty resins, resin blends, reactive diluents and composites. The company continues to build up its strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities in Europe and around the world.

Olin made two announcements at the ECS involving collaborations with other companies. The first is that Olin and The NRC Group have announced the start of their new collaboration, in which The NRC Group will begin distributing Olin’s epoxy resins (D.E.R.™/D.E.N.™) and Olin’s curing agents (D.E.H.™) for the coatings, civil engineering, adhesives and composites industries throughout the DACH region as of 1 April 2017. This collaboration reunites the two companies after their previous collaboration of more than 40 years, during which Olin’s epoxy resins products were distributed in the European territories.

As Thorsten Prott, Business Manager of Composites and Construction at The NRC Group’s head office remarked, “We welcome this renewed collaboration and are very much looking forward to the mutual strategic alliance we have set up with Olin. We’re excited to be expanding the already strong customer relationships we have in this core industry and allowing them to benefit from Olin’s epoxy products.”

Juan Antonio Merino, General Manager of Olin Europe, explained, “Olin’s expertise in the epoxy value chain will benefit from this distribution collaboration – and bring our innovation to the marketplace.”

Carlo Spaniol, Olin Europe Commercial Vice President, said, “Olin has extensive manufacturing supply chain capabilities in Europe that provide a competitive advantage. The renewed collaboration with The NRC Group will allow us to enhance our presence in the DACH region, where there is some of the world’s strongest demand for epoxy.”

Olin also announced that after years of successful collaboration in Spain, Olin and Quimidrogua have agreed to expand their cooperation to Portugal. Quimidroga will distribute epoxy resins, produced by Olin’s manufacturing sites, for all applications.

Olin is strongly committed to its customers in the Iberian region, and expanding the collaboration with Quimidroga is testament to the dedication to offering high-quality services to its value chain partners. Olin’s product portfolio, including Olin’s D.E.R. and D.E.N. resins, and D.E.H. hardeners for all industrial sectors will be streamlined and managed by a single distributor, improving the quality of service for our customers.

Juan Antonio Merino, General Manager of Olin Europe, explained, “By expanding its relationship with Quimidroga in the Iberian region, Olin demonstrates its focus on providing exceptional service for its clients across its portfolio of core, differentiated and specialty epoxy products.”

 

Orion Introduces New Easily Dispersible Specialty Carbon Black Liquid Preparation

Orion Engineered Carbons focued on its new DERUSSOL^® B230 waterborne liquid pigment preparation as part of its continued focus on easy-to-disperse specialty carbon blacks. In addition, Orion highlighted its easy-to-disperse XPB 430 POWDER, a stir-in preparation for waterborne coatings.

DERUSSOL B230 is a binder-free dispersion containing 30% specialty carbon black. Designed for medium jetness and tinting applications, it provides high pigment concentration at very low viscosity. “In this new formulation, the amount of additive needed to stabilize the pigment is drastically reduced,” said Dr. Jennifer Granados, Orion Marketing Manager, Coatings & Specialty Applications. “Optimization of the additive benefits coatings formulators by improving the compatibility of DERUSSOL B230 with other coatings ingredients.”

XPB 430 POWDER offers the highest jetness levels and strong bluish undertones needed for durable, high-quality automotive basecoats. Ideal for both automotive OEM and refinish applications, XPB 430 POWDER is processed to be easily dispersed under high-shear mixing. It can be dispersed directly in water and develops final colorimetric properties within minutes without further milling or additional wetting additives.

Perstorp Launches Boosters for Cationic UV Curing

Perstorp introduced Curalite™, a new range of boosters for cationic UV-curing formulations that can increase speed of reactivity up to 15 times, boosting the speed of printing or coating lines and enabling more efficient production. Curalite also brings through cure and hardness, which is crucial in many applications. Formulation costs can be reduced, which increases competitiveness, as less amount of expensive photoinitiator is needed. Curalite is produced in Europe and available globally.

“We see a strong potential for cationic technology, and with our new range of Curalite products our customers can even further improve their formulations and speed up the production process,” said Marie Grönborg, Executive Vice President for Business area Specialties and Solutions.

The spotlight on the Perstorp booth was also on:

• The comeback of alkyd resins technology offering low carbon footprint and superior wood protection, in both cases superior to acrylics. With Perstorp’s renewable Penta – Voxtar™, the carbon footprint of alkyd formulations can be reduced even more.
• Intumescent paints, where Charmor™ is used to provide more time to escape from burning buildings.
• Capa™ 4101, a high-performance polyol for tough conditions in one- and two-component polyurethane coatings.
• Polyurethane dispersions and Perstorp’s broad portfolio of building blocks for durable and flexible leather protection.

 

SONGWON Debuts at ECS with New Stabilization Products and Packages

For the first time, SONGWON Industrial Co., Ltd. exhibited at the ECS, demonstrating its commitment to the coatings industry and showcasing its latest high-performance solutions.

The company, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has grown from a small organization active mainly in Asia to the second largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers worldwide, and a global company with branches and production facilities all over the world.

“With our tradition of innovation at SONGWON, we are using our extensive expertise to expand the technologies we offer the industry and strengthen our focus on specialty chemicals designed for coatings, inks and adhesives, amongst other applications,” said Philippe Schläpfer, Leader of Performance Chemicals, SONGWON Industrial Group. “Wherever they are, our customers can benefit from customized products and rely on prompt supply as well as on the availability of our experts to provide advice and support,” he continued.

Placing strong emphasis on sustainability, the company introduced its comprehensive range of antioxidants, UV stabilizers and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS). Recently launched products and packages include the hindered amine light stabilizer SONGSORB^® CS AQ01. Other highlights were the HI-THANE^™ polymer range for polyurethanes and SONGCAT^™ tin intermediates and catalysts.

“Our new high-performance HALS, SONGSORB CS AQ01, combines durable stabilization with improved environmental compatibility,” said Rosanna Telesca, Leader of the Market Center Coatings at SONGWON. “Its high polarity and different functionalities make SONGSORB CS AQ01 suitable for a wide variety of different applications, including stabilization of waterborne and wood coatings.” She added, “It does not impair gloss, even in demanding applications such as automotive interiors.”

HI-THANE polyurethane solutions, which include surface coating agents, hardeners and accelerators, are used in the production of synthetic leather and flexible packaging, in ink binders, and as adhesives on different plastic films.

SONGCAT tin intermediates and catalysts are extensively used to refine processes for producing organo-tin compounds based on butyl and octyl oxide. Applications include electrodeposition coatings for the automotive industry and tin catalysts for polyurethanes.

 

Synthomer Introduces a New Generation of Binders

As a top three global producer of aqueous polymers, Synthomer develops products to meet even the most complex customer requirements. The company’s latest product innovations help make coatings, construction materials and adhesives more environmentally friendly using waterborne binder technologies for a growing number of specialty applications, replacing traditional binders. New binders for wood coatings, parquet varnishes, intumescent coatings, PSA or waterproofing were the focus at ECS.

With its continuous efforts in research and development, Synthomer returned to this year’s ECS with four technical presentations introducing new products for the coatings, construction and adhesives industries. These included:

• Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Dispersions Meeting the Latest Requirements for WB Thin Film Intumescent Coatings (by Dr. Francois Simal) Intumescent coatings used in the construction of multistory buildings are able to retard heat propagation to steel (through the formation of an expanded protective char layer) and hence forestall the loss of strength that would cause the building to collapse. The demand for higher performing WB products capable of replacing solvent systems is driving the need for new developments. This presentation described a new generation of binders meeting the latest market demands for protection time as well as regulatory and environmental requirements.
• 1K Hydrophobic Binder for Spray-Coated Anticorrosion Primers and DTM Topcoats (by Thomas Bernhofer) Metal corrosion is economically very damaging, costing several billion USD every year. To maintain the aesthetic aspect and value of expensive assets Synthomer offers a dedicated product range for long-lasting metal protection. Furthermore, these waterborne binders are environmentally friendly, low in VOC and free of hazardous components such as APEO and formaldehyde. Synthomer demonstrated this high-performing product range as well as highlighted new developments.
• High-Performance Redispersible Powders for the Construction Industry (by Dr. Charles Bobichon) With its recent acquisition of the Hexion Performance Adhesives & Coatings business, Synthomer now also offer a broad range of redispersible powders based on different chemistries for the construction industry. Synthomer highlighted Axilat PSB 150, a styrene-butadiene-based redispersible powder that provides very high bonding strength, fast redispersibility and unique hydrolysis resistance. Axilat PSB 150 is recommended for gypsum, ceramic tile adhesives and other applications. 
• State-of-the-Art Waterborne PSAs for Clear Filmic Labeling and Graphics (by Olga Bernatova) During recent years Synthomer has focused on developing specialty polymers for highly demanding PSA applications such as clear filmic labeling and graphic foils. The company’s novel technology combines polymerization techniques and the use of functional surfactants and monomers to allow the formulation of PSAs with well-balanced adhesion-cohesion properties, excellent water-whitening resistance and very high adhesion retention when exposed to moisture. 

 

Troy Features Advanced Products and Unique Value-Added Services 

With a navigation theme, Troy represented its ability to lead customers through challenges and toward success in the marketplace. Troy experts were available to discuss the company’s regulatory support capabilities. Troy’s Regulatory department offers global assistance as well as regional expertise, including staff located in Europe, the United States and Asia. Troy has extensive expertise navigating the complex waters of European regulations, including experience with REACH and BPD.

Troy also presented its line of advanced Mergal and Nuosept MIT-free wet-state preservatives for European manufacturers. With full regulatory compliance, excellent proven performance against microbial contamination, and low cost-in-use, Troy’s MIT-free wet-state preservatives offer excellent solutions to the challenges European manufacturers face.

Troy also presented next-generation Polyphase, Fungitrol and Troysan dry-film preservatives; multifunctional, sustainable performance additives; and metal carboxylates. Troy also presented its full suite of technical services, including the unique TMMA microbial management program.

 

WACKER Presents New Polymeric Binders and Silicones

Wacker Chemie AG unveiled numerous innovations for paints and coatings, as well as for the construction, packaging and adhesives industries. These ranged from novel dispersions in dirt-repellent treatments for floors and walls, to new silicone products for stain-resistant concrete surfaces and antigraffiti coatings. Silane-terminated polymers improve the bonding properties of plasticizer-free adhesives, whereas new silicone resin emulsions make industrial coatings resistant to heat and the elements. New polymer dispersions perform extremely well as binders in water-repellent construction coatings, packaging adhesives, paintable sealants, high-quality interior paints and fire protection coatings. Brilliant digital printing is the strength of a new solid resin, while pyrogenic silicas improve rheological properties in paint, coating and adhesive applications.

“The European Coatings Show is the world’s leading tradeshow for paints and coatings, as well as for construction and adhesive applications. For us, this tradeshow offers a fantastic opportunity to meet with existing customers, establish new contacts and share information about current trends in the industry,” explained Robert Gnann, President of WACKER SILICONES.

“ECS is the ideal platform for us to present WACKER and our comprehensive product portfolio for the coatings, construction and adhesives industries,” added WACKER POLYMERS President Peter Summo. “R&D has always been a major priority at WACKER, which is why we invariably look forward to unveiling our latest developments and solutions to a large, international audience of professionals at this tradeshow.”

Easy-Care, Dirt-Repellent Surfaces

A special highlight of this year’s ECS was WACKER’s latest solutions for dirt-repellent treatments for a wide range of surfaces. Thanks to their unique composition, the dispersions of the PRIMIS® SAF 9000 series, for instance, are both oleophobic and hydrophobic. In the end product, these dispersions protect walls, and concrete and stone floors from many different types of stains – from coffee and red wine to colored pencils. For concrete and flowing-screed floors in high-traffic areas, the new SILRES® BS 6920 binder – a product based on the company’s alpha-silane technology – offers excellent stain protection and exceptional durability, yielding floors that are easy to care for with minimal cleaning effort. SILRES BS 710 is WACKER’s highly effective, concentrated antigraffiti agent. Thanks to the permanent, elastic, protective silicone film that it forms, graffiti can be easily washed off with water, while stickers, posters and signs can be removed effortlessly. A special benefit of this product is that it contains no organotin compounds or oximes, and is formulated with little solvent. I witnessed this technology first hand during my lab tour at the company’s Burghausen, Germany, site in mid-March. The graffiti simply wiped right off of the surface with water and a sponge.

New Binders for Numerous Adhesives Applications

GENIOSIL® XM 20 and GENIOSIL XM 25 are new silane-terminated polymers that serve as binders and modify the mechanical properties – particularly the modulus – of adhesives and sealants. These products improve the bonding properties of plasticizer-free adhesives, eliminating the need for traditional plasticizers in the end product. In low-modulus sealants they ensure high elastic recovery, and, in so doing, open up applications in the adhesives and sealants sector that had previously been inaccessible to silane-crosslinking polymers.

For paper and packaging applications, WACKER presented VINNAPAS® EP 400 E, a VAE dispersion that not only provides adhesives with good adhesion and cohesion, as well as good machine running properties – it is also extremely low in formaldehyde (< 20 ppm).

Industrial Coatings for Resistance to Heat and the Elements

Coatings that are stable at high temperatures and resistant to extreme heat – up to 600 °C – are the forte of the new SILRES REN70-M binder. This product is almost entirely free of aromatic solvents (< 0.1%) and is particularly suitable for formulating coatings for industrial equipment, engine parts or stoves. For weather-resistant finishes, WACKER offers SILRES IC 235, a silicone intermediate containing no aromatic compounds at all and used in coatings for bridges, wind turbine stators and industrial plants. The new VINNAPAS EZ 3067 dispersion promises improved fire safety when used as a binder in intumescent coatings – special fire protection coatings that form a jacket around steel girders to slow the rate at which the weight-bearing structures of a building melt or buckle in the event of a fire.

Versatile Paint and Coating Applications

Ideal for cool climate zones, PRIMIS^® KT 3000 additive quickly forms a stable polymer network – even at low temperatures and in the rain – yielding exterior wall paints and renders that are resistant to the effects of weathering within just a short time. The new VINNAPAS EZ 3011 dispersion satisfies customers as a powerful binder for interior paints that have a low environmental impact – they are made without plasticizers, film formers or solvents, contain very little formaldehyde (< 20 ppm) and produce few emissions (VOC <1 g/L).

Surface Coating Resins for Sophisticated Digital Printing Inks

When used in solvent-based ink-jet printing inks, the new, low-viscosity VINNOL^® E 18/38 binder ensures excellent droplet formation and delivers high-resolution printed images, brilliant colors and faster printing speeds. It also offers excellent adhesion to numerous surfaces, making it ideal for printing on cables, packaging or large advertising banners.

Improved Rheology for Paints, Coatings and Adhesives

WACKER showcased four specialty grades of its HDK^® pyrogenic silica for a variety of paint, coating and adhesive applications. The benefits of these silicas include improved rheology control in automotive clearcoats and optimized mechanical properties in surface coatings and sealants. Plus, these products can be used as thickeners in two-component adhesives and fillers.

WACKER also hosted a wonderful booth party featuring fabulous food, drinks, music and entertainment, including a photo booth, which our staff greatly enjoyed.

 

Ystral Asks ECS Visitors to Rethink Their Production Process

Whether you manufacture decorative paints, industrial coatings, coil coatings, automotive lacquers, printing inks or even adhesives, large amounts of powders have to be dispersed into liquids. In most cases, this process requires high effort, is time consuming and usually dusty. With YSTRAL Conti-TDS technology, pigments, fillers, thickeners and other powders can be inducted, fast, dust free and from any container into the base liquids.

The results are high-quality dispersions with proven and significant potential savings in raw materials, production time, floor space, labor and energy consumption. For example, a YSTRAL Conti-TDS can produce 10MT of decorative emulsion at 50% solids in 15 to 30 min.

For the production of colorants and tinting pastes, the subsequent bead milling process can typically be reduced from 30% to 70% or, in some cases, it can even be eliminated completely, depending on pigment and formulation.

These results can be achieved by the combination of five processing steps in one machine while maintaining constant production parameters. Emptying of big bags, sacks and containers, powder transport, powder incorporation, and finally wetting and dispersing under vacuum.

Independent from the viscosity, type of vessel and batch size, stable suspensions and solutions may be produced in a fraction of the time required by conventional mixing and dispersing systems.

At the ECS, ystral presented two new exhibits under the slogan “Rethink Your Production Process”. As an example for a processing system, ystral put on show the powder induction and wetting machine Conti-TDS combined with powder induction via Powder Receiving Hopper.

            

The next European Coatings Show will be held at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from March 19-21, 2019.